Frequently Asked Questions

Flatbed Scanner Not Ready Error Message

This document tells how to troubleshoot the following error message:

The error message appears when you try to scan either with the Mustek Scanning Desktop for Windows 95 or from iPhoto Plus, Picture Publisher or Text Bridge. There are several possible causes for this message:

Cause #1. You do not have the proper driver installed for your model scanner.

Look at the front of your scanner. If the nameplate DOES NOT say 600 II EP, you inadvertently installed the driver for the 600 II EP. The only Twain driver that ever produces the above error message is the 600 II EP Twain driver. If you get this error, you
have the 600 II EP driver installed and selected. If you actually do have the 600 II EP scanner, one of the causes listed below is producing the error message.

Solution #1. Re-install the Scanner Solutions CD and choose the correct scanner model number. It is NOT necessary to Un-install Mustek Scanner Solutions before re-installing. During installation, you will see a screen that looks like the one below:

On Scanner Solutions Version 1.1, the above screen will have the Plug-N-Scan 600 IISP                               checked by default, which is the same as the 600 II EP (The 600 II EP says Plug-N-Scan                              600 II SP on the box it comes in).
The Scanner Solution CD ships with every scanner Mustek currently makes. One of the
scanners is always checked by default. If you don't have the one that is checked, you must
check the correct one.
If your scanner says any of the following on it's front plate:
            MFC-600S, 600 II SP, 600 II CD or 800 II SP:
            check the Paragon 600 IISP / Paragon 800 IISP choice when re-installing Scanner
            Solutions.
After re-installing Scanner Solutions, it is necessary to select the proper Twain Data Source
in iPhoto Plus. Start iPhoto Plus and choose Select Source from the File Menu, then select
the proper Twain Data Source for your scanner. If you have a Parallel port scanner, choose
the Twain source that says Plug-N-Scan Page color or Mustek F/B Scanner (EPP). If your
scanner came with a SCSI card, choose the source that says Mustek F/B Scanner.

Cause #2. You have a poor cable connection or you are not using the correct cable.

Solution #2. Check to insure the cables are properly connected and that you are using the correct cable.

Cause #3. Your parallel port is not set to EPP mode in your computer's BIOS.

Solution #3. Check your BIOS (Also called CMOS or Setup) to see if the Parallel Port mode is set to EPP or ECP or ECP/EPP.

During bootup, you should see a message on the screen telling you which keys to press to enter Setup. Press the designated keys to get into the BIOS Setup Utility. Here are likely key combinations:
F1, F2, Del, Ctrl+Alt+Esc or Ctl+Alt+S
If you are unable to get into the BIOS, call your computer manufacturer for assistance. Once in the BIOS, look for the settings for Parallel Ports, LPTs or Peripheral Configuration.
There may be as many as four different choices for parallel port mode. Older computers (2
years or older) will not have any choices at all. You should try EPP or ECP first. If that doesn't work, try the other choices.

Cause #4. You may be having power problems.

Solution #4. Check to make sure the scanner is turned on and make sure the green LED on front of the scanner is steady. If the LED is blinking, turn the scanner off and back on. If this doesn't solve the problem, turn off both the scanner and computer, then restart them both.

If none of the above solutions solve your problem, call our Technical Support Department.